Phytochemical screening and mineral elements composition of Xanthosoma sagittifolium inflorescence

The phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract and the mineral elements composition of cocoyam inflorescence was determined using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that cocoyam inflorescence is a good source of both micro and macro elements. Iron was found to be present in high concentration (39.332mg/100g), followed by zinc (31.332mg/100g), magnesium (7.660mg/100g) and copper (3.833mg/100g). Potassium had the highest concentration (52.997mg/100g) among the macro elements followed by phosphorus (44.439mg/100g), sodium (19.333mg/100g) and calcium (17.666mg/100g). The phytochemical screening revealed that terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and tannins were highly present (+++), flavonoids and alkaloids were moderately present (++) while saponins and steroids were present in trace (+) amounts. The presence of these elements and phytochemicals in appreciable quantities highlights the nutritional and therapeutic value of cocoyam inflorescence.

Author(s): Abasiekong BO Etuk BA and Ukpong IJ*

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